Amanda
Anisimova was overcome with emotion after losing the
Canadian Open final to
Jessica Pegula. The 22-year-old fought back tears during the award ceremony and
congratulated the World No. 6 for defending the title she had won in 2023.
Pegula
secured a hard-fought victory 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 on Monday, August 12, and extended
her head-to-head record against Anisimova to 3-0. With this, the 30-year-old
American successfully defended her title and now has two WTA 1000 trophies.
Anisimova fights
back tears After Pegula Defends Title
Anisimova’s
week in Toronto was one of the best of her career. She entered the tournament
as World No. 132 after receiving a wildcard from the organizers and defeated
four of the top seeds in the draw, including Daria Kasatkina (5th seed), Aryna
Sabalenka (2nd seed), and Emma Navarro (8th).
However,
she had a shaky start in the final, struggling with her serve in the first set
while Pegula played at a superlative level. Although Anisimova managed to shake
off the nerves in the second set, she couldn't maintain the level in the third
and was eventually defeated.
"Oh
God, I don’t think I’ve ever been this overcome with emotion at a speech. First
off, I want to say congratulations to Jess," she said, addressing Jessica
Pegula during the award ceremony. "I mean, you’re playing amazing tennis –
I never want to play you again," she laughed, wiping off her tears.
![anisimovatoronto3](https://r.testifier.nl/Acbs8526SDKI/resizing_type:fit/watermark:Picture%3A%20IMAGO/width:1280/plain/https://s3-newsifier.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/tennisuptodate.com/images/2024-08/anisimovatoronto3-66ba291a1a70e.jpg@webp)
Amanda Anisimova at Toronto 2024.
"No
really, you’ve been doing amazing and it’s really inspiring to see. Honestly,
I’m really proud of everything you’ve been able to do. And just keep it
up," she added. "I mean... hope that we’ll be able to play many more
finals, but yeah, it will be difficult," Anisimova said.
Still, the
American can take many positives from her week in Toronto, as she earned enough
points to return to the top-50 after more than a year: "I normally don’t
do this, but I just want to say that I’m proud of myself. I feel like I’ve
overcome a lot of things this year – from mental challenges to injuries – it’s not
easy."
"I
think just having a positive mindset and putting into the universe what you
want is the most important thing, and that’s the only way you can make your
dreams come true," she added.
Pegula praises Anisimova: "You’re an amazing ball striker and a tough opponent"
Jessica
Pegula had a lighthearted exchange with Anisimova after the final. During her
victory speech, she praised her opponent and considered her a force to be
reckoned with on the WTA Tour. The American No. 2 responded to her rival's
comments: "Thank you for all the nice words. Just so you know, I don’t
love playing you either," she joked during her victory speech.
"Whenever
we get asked all these weird questions, I always say that you have the best
backhand on tour; very jealous of that backhand. You’re an amazing ball striker
and an amazing player – I don’t take you lightly. I think every time I see you
in the draw floating around, I feel like you are so dangerous," Pegula
said.
The World
No. 6 also highlighted Anisimova for the break she decided to take during 2023
when she was struggling with mental health issues: "And I admire you as
well for making the decision to step away from your career and take some time
for yourself, because I know that’s not easy," Pegula added. "But
it’s your career and it’s your life, and you get to choose how to live it! So
that’s really strong. I’m glad that you were able to do that and come back on
your own terms, it’s really cool," she added.